Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has emerged as a rare political voice balancing national diplomacy with political reality, as he subtly dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, while also discrediting Rahul Gandhi’s rhetoric targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Trump’s announcement on Truth Social on May 10, wherein he claimed the US brokered peace between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, has since become a political flashpoint.

Operation Sindoor and the Ceasefire Claim

Just weeks before Trump’s announcement, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to a missile and drone attack by Pakistan on May 7, which targeted both military and civilian areas across the border. India responded with precision strikes on terror infrastructure and military targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), causing severe damage to Pakistan’s defence facilities.

On May 10, Trump claimed the US mediated a ceasefire. However, India stated that the ceasefire resulted from a call initiated by Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), who sought de-escalation.

Despite the official line, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi used Trump’s remarks in a June 4 rally in Bhopal, accusing Modi of surrendering to the US President.

“Trump made one gesture from there (the US), picked up the call and said ‘Modiji, what are you doing? Narender surrender’. And Modiji said ‘yes sir’,” Gandhi claimed.

Tharoor's Diplomatic Masterstroke

Responding to media questions during an official visit to the United States, Shashi Tharoor clarified India’s stand, and debunked the notion that India had sought US mediation. Tharoor was in the US leading a multi-party delegation, explaining India’s strategic rationale behind Operation Sindoor and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Asked directly whether India had been firm enough in rejecting Trump’s claim, Tharoor responded with a measured and strategic reply.

“We have enormous respect for the American presidency. All we can say is that we have never particularly wanted to ask anyone to mediate,” he said.

Diplomacy Over Drama

As a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Tharoor’s nuanced take reflected a seasoned diplomatic approach. He explained that India was treading carefully, keeping in view the broader India-US strategic partnership.

“We would not want to jeopardise a valuable and strategic relationship with Washington over a matter of detail,” he explained, adding that larger issues like defence, trade and technology cooperation were more important.

By describing Trump’s ceasefire claim as a “small matter”, Tharoor nullified its political significance and simultaneously undermined Rahul Gandhi’s attack, delivering what many described as a two-in-one rebuttal.

Diplomacy vs Political Theatre

In sharp contrast to Gandhi’s remarks, Tharoor’s statements stood out for their maturity and clarity. His party, the Indian National Congress, has criticised Modi’s handling of the situation, with Rahul Gandhi being particularly vocal.

However, Tharoor’s statement revealed a gap between party leadership and experienced statesmen within Congress. It also showcased the Congress MP’s ability to place national interest above political one-upmanship.

Milind Deora, a former Congress MP and close aide of Rahul Gandhi, also weighed in, praising Tharoor for his stance.

“I would like to extend my admiration for Dr Tharoor, whom I have known for a long time. He always puts country before party,” said Deora.

Why India Isn’t Shouting Back

A natural question arising from this episode is — Why hasn’t India vociferously denied Trump’s claims?

The answer lies in the silent codes of diplomacy. Foreign policy often takes place away from the limelight. Public rebuttals risk antagonising key partners and may be used as fodder by hostile actors to portray discord.

As Tharoor explained, India is currently engaged in high-level trade negotiations with the US, and any public spat with a former President, especially one with residual political clout, could complicate those talks.

Moreover, Trump’s reputation as an unpredictable and ego-driven figure, much like the fictional villain Jaykant Shikre in Singham, has taught world leaders to engage him with caution.

“Kuchh bhi karne ka, Jaykant Shikre ke ego nahi hurt karne ka,” as the movie goes — a line that mirrors India’s pragmatic approach to Trump.

The Bigger Picture

India’s official stance continues to be that the ceasefire came through direct military-level talks, not via external mediation. By taking the high road diplomatically, India is sending a signal that it values its long-term interests with the US over short-term political sparring.

While political leaders like Rahul Gandhi may see value in exploiting Trump’s remarks, statesmen like Tharoor have adopted a nation-first approach, seeing the broader picture of India’s strategic positioning on the global stage.

This episode is also a reminder of how diplomacy and politics don’t always align, and why India needs measured voices like Tharoor's in times of heightened geopolitical tension.

Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor’s remarks in the US effectively quashed Donald Trump’s ceasefire claims while delivering a subtle blow to Rahul Gandhi’s narrative. His intervention reinforces the idea that serious diplomacy cannot be conducted via shouting matches or populist jibes.

By putting India’s interest first, Tharoor reminded both global leaders and Indian politicians that national unity and strategic focus are more vital than scoring political points — especially when the stakes involve international conflict and diplomacy.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Jainik Power Cables, Sacheerome Limited, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are Ganga Bath Fittings.

The Closed IPOs are 3B Films.